Meet the Sheriff

Sheriff Chris Shew

My career began June 17th 1980. I was sworn as a part-time deputy with the Wilkes County Sheriff's Office under Sheriff Kyle Gentry. In July of 1981 through 1983 I was a full-time deputy as well as a detention officer, assigned to the Patrol Division.

In 1983, I was promoted to Sergeant on 2nd shift, later that same year I was promoted to Captain (Shift-Supervisor) of 2nd shift.

My responsibilities included monitoring all investigations, civil processes, Detention Center staffing, and general patrol operations during the hours of 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. daily.

1984 through 1986 I was assigned to investigations I investigated property, crimes against persons and other major cases within Wilkes County.

In December 1986, I was sworn in as Chief-Detective under Sheriff Fred Myers. From 1986 to 2001 remained Chief-Detective in charge of all investigations within Wilkes County.

In 2001, I became Chief-Deputy under Sheriff Dane Mastin and serve in that capacity until I was elected Sheriff in 2010.

Training

During my career, I have attended numerous training sessions concerning Management and Supervision, Incident Command, Homicide Investigation, Major Case Investigations, Interview and Interrogations, Arrest, Search and Seizure Law, Police Law Institute, Weapons of Mass Destruction and Terrorism. I have received numerous letters and awards of commendation, including the North Carolina Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards Commission Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate and the North Carolina Advanced Service Award.

Administration

Since 2001, I have been involved in the administrative aspects of this Office. I have supervised command personnel, prepared budgets, developed strategic plans and policies. As Chief-Deputy I served as Incident Commander of both the Hazardous Devices Unit and the Tactical Team.

Certifications

I have two Law Enforcement Certifications, one with the North Carolina Sheriff's Training and Standards Division and the other with the North Carolina Criminal Justice Standards and Training Division. I have also served as a reserve officer with the Wilkesboro Police Department for eight years.

Dedication

In the past thirty years, I have worked in every aspect of law enforcement in this county. I have managed law enforcement personnel since 1983. I chose to remain here and declined other law enforcement opportunities outside of Wilkes. This is my home. I have a vested interest in the standard of living and the level of law enforcement service we provide to the citizens of Wilkes County. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and I will continue to strive for professional dedicated law enforcement.